The Greater Phoenix Chamber Foundation’s Cybersecurity and IT Workforce Collaboratives concluded its first Cybersecurity and IT Externship Rotation. Through this paid two-week program, externs from across Arizona gained expert insight into the cybersecurity and IT industries directly from employers.

Thanks to the help of our business sponsors, the Foundation provided stipends to 17 participants, or externs, which included individuals with high school, community college, university, military, and non-traditional educational and workforce backgrounds. They received practical, real-world experience through project learning and educational exposure to cybersecurity and IT industry career pathways. Participants had the opportunity to complete a team research project that they presented to potential employers, honing in their employability skills. Throughout the externship, employers mentored externs and developed strong professional relationships.

Thank you to our employer partners:

  • CommonSpirit
  • eBacon
  • Freeport-McMoran
  • Nationwide
  • PayPal
  • Salt River Project
  • Southwest Gas
  • Zovio

Thank you to all our guest speakers:

  • Tim Roemer, Director, State of Arizona Department of Homeland Security
  • Malcolm Harkins, CEO, Protect-to-Enable
  • CompTIA, Splunk, CVS Health
  • CyberKnights:
  • SafeBreach
  • Bensinger Consulting
  • Maricopa County Community Colleges, ISC (2), ISACA, Cloud Security Alliance

Extern Testimonials:

“I’m really grateful. This externship has opened a lot of doors and connections. For the past two weeks, I found a family from people I can actually work with one day in the future. And I want to be active with the Greater Phoenix Chamber and the externship rotation in any shape or form.” – Juricelle Omega, Extern

“The speakers were so down to earth and willing to mentor and guide us in any way they possibly could, most importantly, they reassured us that there is a place in the IT and or the Cybersecurity sector for anyone who is willing to pay the price. This Externship will change lives and create legacies for some of us!” – Maria Aceves, Extern

Employer Testimonials:

“After years of talent acquisition involvement, this program stands out as the most unique! So fun and engaging, I learned so much from the externs and Phoenix Chamber leadership. I am excited to see what is next for programs like this.” – Victoria Thomas Senior Software Engineer, Pet Resource & Recovery at Nationwide Mutual Insurance

“It was refreshing to see bright minds jumping together to help the community honing their Cybersecurity skillset. I believe the program was diverse enough that it will boost the selected candidates’ career.” – Mohamad Ghannoum, Security Engineer I, Zovio

If you are interested in learning about the Cybersecurity and IT industries, check out the newest addition to the AZ Cyber Talent website, where you can watch the employer sessions of the 2021 Cybersecurity and IT Externship Rotation!

For questions, please contact Ngan Pham, Workforce Development Manager at the Greater Phoenix Chamber Foundation, at npham@phoenixchamber.com.